Six killed, including a Briton, in suspected terror shooting in Krakow
A gunman opened fire in Krakow's Main Square, killing six people and injuring 16, while police officers who stopped the attacker were hospitalized.
Six people were killed and 16 injured after a gunman opened fire in Krakow's Main Square on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. Among the dead were four women and two men, including a British national; the nationality of the fourth female victim has not been identified. Police engaged the shooter, who was armed with an automatic weapon, and shot him; the suspect remains in hospital.
Two police officers who subdued the gunman were hospitalized but were reported conscious by Sunday afternoon. Regional governor Krzysztof Jan Klęczar said the officers' "efficient and selfless intervention" prevented a higher death toll. Local surgeons Michał Pędziwiatr and Mateusz Wierdak, who were nearby, assisted the injured officer, with Wierdak stopping severe chest bleeding.
Police later discovered three bodies at the suspect's family home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, identified as his sister, mother and father, who are believed to have been shot.
Polish police commander-in-chief Marek Boron confirmed the casualty figures and noted that the attacker was motivated by far-right ideologies. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński described the gunman's views as "very radical" and "fascinated by far-right ideologies," while Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz called the incident an "act of terror."
British officials expressed condolences. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the United Kingdom stands in solidarity with Poland, and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband offered deep condolences to the victims' families. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advised British nationals in Krakow to follow local authorities' guidance.
Krakow mayor Łukasz Gibała announced a period of mourning for the city until 11 November.